Elements of the CORE Program Fundamental Studies

Fundamental Studies courses help you strengthen the mathematical
and writing skills you will need to communicate effectively in your university
courses and in the modern world. Building your career and future without the
powerful tools of mathematics and writing can be as tough as driving nails with
your bare hands.

The Introduction to Writing and Mathematics requirements must
be attempted by the time the student has reached the 30-credit level and must
be successfully completed by the time the student has reached the 60-credit
level. The Professional Writing requirement may be taken only when the student
has reached the 60-credit level or higher.

The Fundamental Studies requirement is nine credits
as follows:

I. English Composition (6 credits, 2 courses)

Academic Writing (3 credits)

ENGL
101, 101A, 101H, 101X and other suffixed versions of ENGL 101
Please refer to the Academic
Writing Program website for the most up to date listing of all course
options, exemptions, and restrictions. Selection is determined by student’s
proficiency in producing standard edited English, or by participation in
the University’s Honors Program (101H). Students with low SAT verbal
scores or who have difficulty with grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph
organization should take 101A. Students
for whom English is a second language should consider taking ENGL 101X in
place of ENGL 101.

Exemption from the Academic Writing Requirement:

AP English Language and Composition test score of 4 or 5, or

SAT verbal score 670 or above[1]

[1]In April 1995, the Educational Testing
Service (ETS) recentered the scores on the SAT. If taken before April 1995,
one must have received a score of 600 or above to be exempt from Freshman
Writing. This recentering does not reflect a raising of the requirement
for exemption, but a change in the scoring system which the ETS uses.

Professional Writing (3 credits)

There are multiple offerings of ENGL 390, 391,
392, 393, 394, 395 and 398. Please refer to the Professional
Writing Program website for the most up to date listing of all course
options, exemptions, and restrictions.

Exemption from Professional Writing Requirement:

Grade of "A" in ENGL 101 (not ENGL 101A or
ENGL 101X), except for students majoring in Engineering. All Engineering
majors must take ENGL 393.

No exemption from the Professional Writing requirement will be granted
for achievement on the SAT verbal exam. Professional Writing courses cannot
be used to fulfill Advanced Studies requirements.